"We are honored by the confidence the Japanese government has placed in the F-35 and our industry team to deliver this 5th Generation fighter to the Japan Air Self Defense Force," says Bob Stevens, Lockheed Martin chairman and chief executive officer. "This announcement begins a new chapter in our long-standing partnership with Japanese industry and builds on the strong security cooperation between the U.S. and Japan."

The F-35 program includes nine partner nations--the United States, United Kingdom, Italy, Netherlands, Turkey, Canada, Australia, Denmark, and Norway; the global scale contributes to its success and affordability through economies of scale, says a spokesperson. The United Kingdom and Netherlands have ordered test aircraft; Italy and Australia have committed long-lead funding for initial operational aircraft.